MY VERY 1ST POST - NIKON D3100 (DLSR)

As i researched many of my favourite designs blogs and learning how to be a great blogger (as i aim to be :)) everybody advised on investing in a great DLSR camera, so after many months of saving, I have finally been able to purchase one - NIKON D3100 - $640 -.


I paid $640 for it but i see Walmart has now reduced it by $40 and now selling it for $600. I decided to invest in it because i do plan on taking photographs of nice stylish decors whereever i see them, and as i travel. I also plan on selling on etsy some abstract painting that I made and thus I have to learn to take great product photographs. All in all, i think this camera is a very good investment (i had to forgo buying some fabulous shoes and stuff I had been eyeing for a while - its all about priorities, and i think this purchase was/would be all worth it - Now my next investment is to acquire an IMAC 21.5 Desktop before Thanksgiving 2011).

The reason why I chose to buy it from Walmart was based on the great reviews I read and also the 50 bonus free prints that came with it. I feel like a kid with a new toy- I dont even know where to start. In the next few weeks i will get to learn how to use it and give update. This is my very first DLSR and I look forward to learning as much as i can possibly learn. 

Do you own a DLSR - if so what kind, and what was your experience using a DLSR for the first time. Apart from reading the manuals, did you take a short course or got guidance by watching video blogs - if so which blogs were they?. My local community center is offering 12hr courses for $100 - I am comtemplating taking it.


Please share your experience, and if you do own this specific DLSR (Nikon D3100) give me any advice you can give me (I love still and product photography eg water splash - and thats the first thing i want to learn).

(photosource:KenRockwell)